Barry David Wolfensohn

Barry David Wolfensohn, born on November 3rd, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, passed away on November 27th, 2025 leaving behind a legacy defined by kindness, honesty, curiosity, generosity, and an unwavering ability to live fully in the present. Known for his warm smile and remarkable gift for connecting with anyone he met, Barry had a rare way of making people feel seen, valued, and welcomed. Everyone always remembered Barry.

For more than 60 years, Barry shared his life with his “sainted” wife, Sheila. Their marriage was a model of true partnership. Together, they embraced a life filled with travel, golf, friendship, service, and, above all, family.

Barry’s commitment to helping others began early. While still in college, he began sponsoring a foster child - a promise he upheld for more than 70 years. This simple act became the foundation of a lifetime devoted to giving back. He found great joy and purpose in his volunteer work with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and The Seeing Eye. Barry offered his time, energy, and opinions to anyone who wanted or needed them (whether solicited or not). When asked late in life if he had any regrets, he named only one: that he hadn’t started volunteering sooner.

Barry’s answer was always yes. Whether he was invited or simply spotted a sign for an event, he inevitably found himself drawn to the music, magic, a parade, or any gathering filled with people and energy. Barry always found the fun. One of his last messages to his grandchildren was, never be afraid to talk to someone. True to his own words, Barry was well known for befriending strangers wherever he went - turning brief encounters into connections and moments into memories.

Barry was also a coach/mentor in every sense of the word. On the field, with friends, and especially with his family, he was the person people turned to for guidance and perspective. Endlessly curious and always open-minded, he was exceptionally well-read and delighted in spirited debate on any and every topic. Some of his happiest moments were spent debating and learning.

Barry loved to laugh—and making others laugh even more. With his quick wit, warmth, and signature stories, he had an uncanny ability to connect with people from all walks of life and ages. His appreciation for good style lasted a lifetime; he took pride in being well dressed and approached travel with the same enthusiasm and wonder that he brought to everything else.

Barry is survived by his wife, Sheila; son, Michael (Karen McLaughlin); daughter, Laura (Julie Tyson); Grandchildren, Leo Wolfensohn (Miriam) and their daughter, Maeve, Lily Appelbaum (Zach), Ben Wolfensohn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Greater Middlesex & Morris Habitat for Humanity https://www.morrishabitat.org/donate or Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges https://www.orangesfoodpantry.org

The family will receive guests at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, located at 68 Old Short Hills Rd, Livingston, New Jersey, 07039, on November 28, 2025, from 8:45 am to 9:15 am.

A funeral service will follow at the same location, beginning at 9:30 am. The service will be available via live stream at https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/117813.

Burial will take place at Mount Ararat Cemetery, 1165 NY-109, Lindenhurst, NY, 11757, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm on November 28, 2025.